Pete Raso, Former Rockland Resident

Pete Raso, aged 82 passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 27, 2014 at his home in Palm Beach Gardens Florida. Until his move to Florida 14 years ago he was a lifelong resident of Rockland County. He grew up in Nyack and graduated from Nyack High School where he played varsity football. From 1950 to 1954 Pete honorably served his country as a staff sergeant in the US Air Force. In 1955 he married his beloved wife Joan Renella Raso. They lived in Valley Cottage where they raised their 3 boys. Joan predeceased Pete in 1999. Pete is also predeceased by his brothers Joseph and Dominick Raso of Nyack.

For over 25 years Pete owned a very successful food distribution business, first with his father, as Frank Raso and Sons and then after his father’s death, as Pete Raso and Sons. The business supplied food to Rockland’s finest restaurants. Over the years he owned many businesses in Nyack, The Hall of Fame Restaurant & Bar, The Pub and the Penguin Gift Shop to name a few. His unceasing dedication to the Town of Nyack was recognized in 1974 when he received an award for doing the most to revitalize the downtown area of Nyack.

In 1990 Pete brought his expertise and experience to the County of Rockland’s Department of Consumer Protection, where he worked for 6 years before retiring to Florida.

Pete is survived by his sons, P.J. Raso of Boynton Beach, Fla. , Don Raso and his wife Lori Ann of Boynton Beach, Fla. and Frank Raso and his wife Susie of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He is also survived by 2 beautiful granddaughters, Danielle and Dana of Wellington, Fla.

A private family entombment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack, NY.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.